Ray Cottingham

Ray Cottingham stands as a pioneering force in skydiving cinematography, with a career that has profoundly influenced both the sport and its portrayal in mainstream media. Since his inaugural jump in 1960, Cottingham has completed over 12,000 jumps, capturing the essence of skydiving through his lens.

His expertise behind the camera brought skydiving to the silver screen, with notable contributions to films such as Point Break (1991), Terminal Velocity (1994), Operation Dumbo Drop (1995), and Honeymoon in Vegas (1992) . Beyond feature films, his work extended to various television shows and commercials, showcasing the thrill of freefall to a broader audience.IMDb

In the competitive arena, Cottingham served as a freefall videographer for two freestyle teams, earning medals at the U.S. National Championships from 1991 through 1998. His skills were also pivotal for the U.S. Freefall Exhibition Team during the World Meet in Bled, Yugoslavia .

Cottingham’s commitment to the sport extended beyond his personal achievements; he was a mentor to generations of skydivers and videographers, generously sharing his knowledge and setting high standards for those who followed. His contributions were recognized with his induction into the International Skydiving Hall of Fame in 2018 .

Ray Cottingham’s legacy is etched in the annals of skydiving history, not only for his cinematic accomplishments but also for his enduring influence on the sport’s evolution and the community he helped cultivate.